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Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic Naan Bread

This Garlic Naan Bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and flavorful Indian-style flatbread infused with fresh garlic. Perfect for pairing with curries, stews, or enjoying on its own, this homemade naan uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps to create warm, tender bread with a golden crust and rich aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water (100°F-110°F)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Toppings and Finishing

  • 3 tbsp butter or ghee, melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, showing the yeast is alive and ready.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and Greek yogurt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic to develop gluten.
  3. Let the Dough Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size, creating an airy texture.
  4. Shape the Naan: Punch down risen dough gently. Divide into equal-sized balls. Roll each ball on a floured surface into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Add Garlic and Cook: Brush rolled dough generously with melted butter or ghee. Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped cilantro on top. Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook naan for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown spots appear.
  6. Finish with Butter: Brush hot naan with more melted butter or ghee immediately after cooking, locking in moisture and enhancing flavor.

Notes

  • Use warm water (100°F-110°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for soft and chewy naan.
  • Allow dough to rise fully for fluffy bread; slow-rise overnight in fridge is an option.
  • Cook naan on high heat to mimic tandoor and achieve characteristic charred spots.
  • Brush butter right away after cooking for shine and moisture retention.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Naan, Indian Bread, Flatbread, Homemade Naan, Garlic Bread, Indian Appetizer